Chelsea striker Fernando Torres not selected for Spain

The striker scored in the Europa League last night

FERNANDO TORRES (Getty Images)

Fernando Torres has once again been left out of the Spain squad for World Cup qualifiers against Finland and France, with Carles Puyol also missing out.

Chelsea striker Torres scored the winning goal as his club reached the Europa League quarter-finals at the expense of Steaua Bucharest last night but also missed a penalty and remains way short of his best.

Instead, Vicente Del Bosque will rely on Barcelona's David Villa and Pedro and Sevilla pair Alvaro Negredo and Jesus Navas for his forward positions.

Puyol captained Spain while winning his 100th cap in the friendly win over Uruguay last month but the veteran defender is not required for the double header.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas is injured, meaning Manchester United's on-form David de Gea returns to the senior squad in search of a first cap - though the presence of Victor Valdes and Jose Reina make that a tough ask.

Torres' club-mate Cesar Azpilicueta and Malaga midfielder Isco are both retained after making their international bows against Uruguay.

Swansea's Michu continues to be left out, having been told by Del Bosque ahead of the Uruguay match that he was unlucky not to be called up.

V Valdes (Barcelona), J Reina (Liverpool), D de Gea (Man Utd), A Arbeloa (Real Madrid), R Albiol (Real Madrid), S Ramos (Real Madrid), C Azpilicueta (Chelsea), G Pique (Barcelona), I Monreal (Arsenal), J Alba (Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Xavi (Barcelona), A Iniesta (Barcelona), C Fabregas (Barcelona), S Busquets (Barcelona),S Cazorla (Arsenal), J Garcia (Man City), Isco (Malaga), D Villa,(Barcelona), D Silva (Man City), Pedro (Barcelona), J Mata (Chelsea), A Negredo (Sevilla), J Navas (Sevilla).

PA